Destination White Point

by Frances Jewel Dickson

White Point Beach Lodge has been in operation since 1928, persevering through early bankruptcy, the Great Depression, World War II, and a sometimes unforgiving climate in the hospitality industry. The resort is situated on Nova Scotia's South Shore, where authors Zane Grey and Albert Bigelow Paine once travelled to write about the charms of the undisturbed wilderness. The evolution of tourism in southwest Nova Scotia owes much of its early progress to well-connected foreign anglers and hunters, who used their own pipelines to broadcast this Canadian destination as a bountiful game reserve and a gem for tourists to discover. This book depicts the contribution of some of these foreigners, notably Philip Hooper Moore, the creator of White Point. His conception was a vacation haven where discerning sportsmen could hunt and fish while their families enjoyed the state-of-the-art amenities at the resort. The Lodge remained a seasonal destination for several decades until the 1980s heralded a shift to year-round operations. A convention centre and more accommodations were added, all designed to blend with the original rustic log buildings. Destination White Point draws on the oral history of former and current staff and guests, some whose experiences date back to the 1930s, to paint authentic pictures of work and play at White Point. The descendants of a number of guests have perpetuated the White Point vacation tradition, travelling from New England as well as Upper and Lower Canada on an annual basis. Multi-generational connections are commonplace at White Point with a half-dozen or more family members employed at the resort across several decades. For the last thirty years or so, stories of ghostly sightings and manifestations have been circulating around the property. One of the supernatural visitors is believed to be Ivy Elliot, who co-managed White Point with her husband Howard for over forty years. These events recently attracted a group of paranormal investigators, who paid a visit to White Point. Since the 1980s, colourful rabbits have delighted children and adults alike. Today, the lodge remains a popular destination for both Canadians and foreigners and a vital link to our storied past.

175 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this while staying off- season at White Point, long after the original lodge had burned and been rebuilt.
I was thinking it might be a little less autobiographical "just the facts" and a bit more folksy/gossipy because the former staff had been interviewed.
Having grown up in NS and being very familiar with these types of lodges- turned-resorts, I was anticipating the glory days stories.
Although it was not what I expected it was well researched.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

An exhaustive history of the 83 years from inception of White Point Lodge to the fire on November 12,2011. Includes not only history of ownership and development but interviews and stories from employees over the years and families who made annual pilgrimages to White Point, and met spouses,and celebrated weddings and other events. The most poignant is the final chapter describing the events of the fire and reactions of Danny Morton, General Manager and other staff and community members, which soon brought about the decision to rebuild, and seize upon the opportunity to improve on the facility that has been so well enjoyed and loved for 83 years.